Government puts an end to rip-off credit and debit card fees

Wednesday 19th July 2017 (Andrew Griffiths)

Shoppers in Burton and Uttoxeter could save hundreds of pounds thanks to action taken by the Conservative government this week. On Wednesday the Government announced an end to the rip-off practice of companies charging customers more just for using a credit or debit card. Currently, companies from takeaway apps to airlines often place a surcharge on customers who choose to pay by card and it has been estimated these charges cost UK customers £473 million in 2010.

However, from January next year customers who use their card will see no additional costs to those using other payment methods and companies found continuing to charge customers for card payments will be forced to pay the fees back or expect a heavy fine.

Burton and Uttoxeter’s MP, Andrew Griffiths, welcomed the move, saying: “Many of us at some point will have been caught out and left puzzled by these additional costs so it is very welcome the Government is taking action.”

“Today, when more and more transactions are done online and by card it seems ridiculous that customers can be hit unfairly in this way. I am glad the Government is bringing this practice to an end and this will ultimately mean people are able to spend more of their money how they want to.”

Keep up to date with what I am doing in Parliament and out and about in Burton and Uttoxeter - sign up for my e-newsletter.

First Name:

Last Name:

Email:

The information you provide here is for the sole purpose of signing up to Andrew’s fortnightly newsletter about his activities as the Member of Parliament for Burton and Uttoxeter. Your data will be only used for the purpose which it was provided for in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and will not be passed on to any third parties. For more information on how your data will be used by Andrew Griffiths MP, please visit the Privacy Notice page.